A bill prefiled in the Oklahoma House would ensure utility customers could opt out of installing "smart meter" technology on their homes and businesses. Passage of the bill would allow Oklahomans to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect.

Rep. Scott McEachin (R) prefiled House Bill 1435 (HB1435) for introduction during the 2017 legislative session. The legislation would give residential and business utility customers the right to refuse installation of "smart meters."

Any person or lawfully recognized business entity shall have the right to decline the installation of a "smart meter" or any similar device that monitors electrical usage in real time or which broadcasts information regarding electrical usage using radio waves or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Smart meters monitor home energy usage in minute detail in real time. The devices transmit data to the utility company were it gets stored in databases. Anybody with access to the data can download it for analysts.